You’ve no doubt heard of people going on cabbage diets – I did this too…once upon a time. But have you ever considered the benefits of raw cabbage juice? Cabbage is in fact considered a ‘superfood’ which is why cabbage juice benefits are something you’ll definitely want to be taking advantage of.

So what makes cabbage a superfood?

Cabbage is particularly rich in insoluble fiber and beta carotene. In addition, it is packed full of vitamins (K, E, C, B1, B6, etc) as well as nutrients such as iron, sulphur, magnesium, iodine and calcium, to name a few. But it’s not just the old “high vitamin and mineral content” jig when it comes to cabbage – this stuff has some serious health perks…

The Health Benefits of Raw Cabbage Juice

Raw cabbage juice fights cancer

Raw cabbage comes with anti-carcinogenic. That’s ’cause cabbage contains glucosinolates that your body converted into isothiocyanate compounds which have been shown to have unique cancer-preventative properties for bladder, colon and prostate cancer.

The compounds in cabbage are also thought to change the way etrogen is used in the body, reducing the risk of breast cancer as well. Extra perk? Cabbage also boosts your immune system, and assists the healing process in cancer patients. Want more cancer-fighting greens to juice?

* Keep in mind that only raw or short-cooked cabbage offer these cancer-preventative benefits ’cause heat destroys the myrosinase enzymes that help convert cabbage’s glucosinolates into cancer-preventive compounds.

Protect yourself from heart disease

The selenium found in cabbage juice helps to protect your body from heart disease. In addition, high levels of the essential fatty acid Omega 3 help to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and high blood pressure.

Treat and prevent acute ulcers

One of the veggies I used to help my ulcer is – you guessed it, cabbage. Even now, I juice this stuff religiously. Raw cabbage is naturally rich in Vitamin U. This vitamin, commonly referred to as ‘cabbagen’, strengthens your stomach lining and makes it resistant to ulcers.

It’s also a great bowel cleanser, detoxifies your colon and helps cure any already-present acute ulcers in your digestive tract. In addition, the amino acid Glutamine assists in the growth and regeneration of the cells that form the lining of the digestive tract while cabbage’s sulfur and chlorine content help combat inflammation in the colon and large intestine.

Drink off those extra kilos

Raw cabbage juice is a powerful natural cure for obesity. It clears the upper section of your intestine and aids the process of digestion. In addition, it is naturally low in calories and will speed up your weight loss efforts by slowing down the process whereby carbs and sugars are converted to fat.

Beat the ‘bad’ cholesterol

Drinking raw cabbage juice will lower your levels of low-density lipoprotein (or LDL), often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. Studies have revealed significant improvements in ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels after following a diet that includes raw cabbage juice. This is particularly true of red cabbage juice, which is high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Cure digestive disorders

Cabbage is well known for the beneficial effects is has on the digestive system. In fact, the lactic acid in cabbage juice acts as a disinfectant in the colon. It’s not surprising then that raw cabbage juice is used to treat a variety of digestive disorders.

Say goodbye to arthritis

Cabbage juice is naturally high in selenium, which helps to combat the symptoms of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of cabbage juice are also beneficial in combating a range of other degenerative inflammatory disorders.

Treat asthma, colds and bronchitis

Raw cabbage juice boosts the healing ability of your respiratory tract. Therefore, it is an effective cure for colds and bronchitis, and can be used in the treatment of asthma.

Combat infections with red cabbage juice

If you’re looking to boost your immune system – go with red cabbage. Red cabbage contains 5 to 6 times more Vitamin C than green cabbage and is best to combat bacterial and viral infections.

Detox your body

Drinking raw cabbage juice means that you will get the glucosinolates you need to rid your body of all damaging hormones and chemicals. Your antioxidant defense mechanisms will be stimulated and your body’s ability to detox will be intensified. In addition, drinking raw cabbage juice will help to cleanse your liver.

Treat skin inflammation

The essential amino acids present in raw cabbage juice make it an ideal remedy for treating skin inflammation.

Beat anemia with cabbage juice

The high levels of folic acid in cabbage juice help your body to build new blood cells. In this way, drinking raw cabbage juice is a healthy and natural way to treat anemia.

Alleviate allergies

Cabbage juice can regulate T-cells and fight allergies due to a compound called histidine. This amino acid is involved in the synthesis of white and red blood cells and regulates allergic reactions, inflammation and immune defence. It so happens that the higher the concentration of histidine in the blood, the slower the release of histamine is from the cells they are stored in.

Restore the glow to your skin

Cabbage juice will do wonders for your skin thanks to the high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals, as well as vitamins such as C, E, and A. This amazing juice can be used to treat acne, dryness, and premature aging. It also promotes soft, supple skin with a natural glow to it. Want to know what fruits and veggies give your skin a rosy glow?

Boost brain function

Cabbage is full of Vitamin K and anthocyanins. These contribute to mental function and concentration. Because these nutrients prevent nerve damage, it improves defense against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Red cabbage is the best for this.

How to Juice Cabbage: Tips and Tricks

Only use firm, undamaged and unblemished heads of cabbage. Avoid limp leaves.

When purchasing cabbage, only buy the whole head. When you purchase precut, halved or shredded cabbage it loses some of its nutrient content due to oxidation.

Keep in mind that raw cabbage and very short-cooked cabbage were the only ones to show cancer-preventative benefits since long cooking times (and microwave cooking) destroys the helpful enzymes that help convert the cabbage’s glucosinolates into cancer-preventive compounds. Juice that cabbage raw!

If you have a thyroid disorder, please avoid consuming large quantities of cabbage. It interferes with the absorption of iodine. Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland. This is applicable to all vegetables in the cruciferous family.

Researchers now understand that different kinds of cabbage (red, green, and Savoy) are comprised of different patterns of glucosinolates. This means it is best to include all varieties when juicing for the broadest health benefits.

Cabbage consumption may cause gas (it’s clearing out your gut!), if this is severe or painful turmeric can be added for relief.